One thing you can say for sure, and that is, if you are into the Ju-88 family and model in 1/72 scale, then AIMS are the people who will be feeding your passion. It is great to see that finally, we are able to get some quality aftermarket items for these planes. You already know about their high quality conversion and update sets; now there are even more decals. This time, the oft overlooked Ju-188 is the subject with this special sheet covering seven aircraft. If you are looking for kits, only Italeri does a good one. It was also boxed by Testors and is pretty easy to find at swap meets. Matchbox also did a Ju-188 and I wouldn't doubt that Revell AG has reboxed this one, but the Italeri kit is the one you want.

First up is an E-1 variant of II./KG 2 in late 1943. This France-based aircraft has a black underside and its standard bomber camo of RLM 70/71 has been over-sprayed in a tight wellenmunster scheme of RLM 76.

Another E-1, also with a black underside is this from II./KG 66 in 1944. It has an upperside of RLM 76 with large blotches of RLM 70.

Next, a winter scheme F-1 of 3.(F)/Aufkl Gr 22. The temporary white upper surfaces are wearing away and there is heavy exhaust staining. Yellow lower wing tips and a yellow fuselage band that is peeking through the white distemper.

In standard RLM 70/71/65 paint is this F-1 from 1.(F)/Aufkl Gr 120 in early 1944. As these aircraft were transferred around quite a bit, it is not uncommon to see previously painted out code letters/numbers.

A striking scheme is for this A-2 version from II./KG 6. Black lower surface with RLM 76 upper surfaces criss-crossed with black. Left wing is a replacement in standard bomber splinter.

The D-1 is from 1.(F)/Aufkl Gr 33 and carries RLM 76 stripes over its standard bomber scheme.

Finally, from 9./KG 26 comes this Norway based A-2 (or A-3). It has a loose wellenmuster scheme over the standard bomber scheme. It also carried torpedoes and anti-shipping radar, but did not have the torpedo control fairing on the left side of the forward fuselage.

As with all other sheets, references are given for all the schemes, making this the sheet to have if you are modeling a Ju-188

There are sufficient insignia to do all of the aircraft on the sheet, with stencils and such coming from the kit decals. A very nice addition is a reference for each scheme so that readers will be able to use it for additional information.

March 2005

Thanks to AIMS for the review sheet. You can find this and other products on their website. These sheets are also carried by Hannants in the UK.

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